Cuban multi-percussionist Rodney Barreto has finally released his first solo musical production, titled Drummer Negrito, under Colibri label, which paraphrases the iconic tune by Cuban composer Eliseo Grenet Drume Negrita, a classic lullaby.
Rodney said the album is about the musical history of the drums in Cuba, the African and Spanish influences and the transculturation phenomenon.
Special Guests on DRUMMER NEGRITO include pianist Tony Rodríguez, who arranged the tune Dudas (Doubts) by Juan Formel Los Van Van Orchestra leader (1969- 2014), pianist Rolando Luna, who performed an arranged a version of the iconic tune Te Quedarás (You’ll Stay), popularized by Benny Moré in in 1957.
The new version included in Rodney Barreto’s album is sung by Omara Portuondo – the Buena Vista Social Club Diva —which Rodney himself considers as a special gift and a great honor!
Rodney Barreto is featured in my radio show The Cuban Bridge @ WWPV with the album EL JOVEN JAZZ (Egrem, ) with pianist Alexis Bosch, Yasek Manzano and Robertico Martinez, the CD DVD Drums Havana, with Carlos Varela, Sexto Sentido Vocal Quartet, The Tom Finlay Trio from Scotland, …. and others very important too!
In my TV show Havana Fairfax Connection at LCATV
with Ruy Lopez-Nussa y La Academia, Drums Havana as a leader, and on a Duet with Oliver Valdes, with Enrique Pla (El Drums en Cuba), with singer Diana Fuentes Live at Mella Theater, El Trio Millionaire, and coming soon with his debut album Drummer Negrito.
2024 is shaping up to be one of RODNEY’s most exciting yet!
Why is Cuba considered La Mecca of Hand Drumming, here is another solid example to be considered !
The Cuban Bridge on the radio Sundays 3 to 7 pm wwpv.smcvt.edu
Havana Fairfax Connection at LCATV http://lcatv.org/havana-fairfax-connection
The Cuban Bridge 